Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme

Sebastian, joined 2024

It was clear from the start that Brent is a place where graduates can grow and succeed. Across the council, you’ll find former graduates who are now Service Managers, Heads of Service and even Corporate Directors. The work is fulfilling, varied and challenging.

One project I’m proud of was leading the restructure of the Early Years Inclusion Fund, working with parents and nurseries. It means children with special educational needs and disabilities now receive funding that better meets their needs.

The scheme helped me build a wide network, which made it easier to move into a new role after finishing the programme.

Being able to work across different services is incredibly valuable early in your career.

Emily, joined 2025

What drew me to Brent’s scheme was the genuine enthusiasm across the council. The Chief Executive’s message to applicants and the mention of a dedicated support network made me feel I would be valued and supported here.

So far, it has been an incredibly insightful experience. I’m encouraged to ask questions and take every opportunity to learn.

Even though I’ve only been here two weeks, I’ve been able to shape my projects around my interests and have already been made project manager on a scheme I really care about.

I’ve started to build confidence in sharing my ideas and asking questions. Graduates at Brent are seen as a valuable addition to the team, not an extra burden.

I would highly recommend this scheme, especially to anyone new to local government. You are supported, encouraged, and trusted to take on exciting work that really makes a difference.

I’m still early in the programme, but I’m inspired by past graduates who have built great careers at Brent. I hope to follow a similar path.

Alivia, Complaints, graduated 2024

As a Brent resident, I was excited by the chance to train as a future local government leader. The scheme gave me hands-on experience across different departments and showed me how services work together to make a real impact for residents.

It’s been a rewarding journey where I’ve grown, developed as a leader and made a real difference in the community I call home.

A highlight for me was leading both the local and national graduate interview days. I coordinated a panel of directors, organised a networking lunch, and helped present Brent to future graduates.

Through the scheme, I built strong communication, leadership and presentation skills. It also gave me the confidence to take on challenging projects and work with different teams.

I would recommend the scheme to anyone looking for varied experience, personal development and the chance to become a future leader in local government while making a real difference in the community.

The scheme prepared me for my current role as a Complaints Investigator here at Brent by helping me build my skills, confidence and leadership.

Alexandra, graduated 2023

My first placement at Brent was in the Transformation Team, supporting the council’s housing companies, i4B and First Wave Housing. I worked on a range of projects, including writing the 2022–23 Business Plan and supporting the Key Worker Block application process. I enjoyed working directly with residents and collaborating across different teams.

I chose Brent because of how progressive it is. I was impressed by its trial of participatory budgeting and the clear focus on involving residents in shaping local projects. It also came across as a friendly and supportive place to work, which I’ve definitely found to be true.

A key strength of the scheme is how well established it is at Brent. Teams across the council are keen to work with graduates, and there’s plenty of support through buddies, mentors and managers. Being part of a large graduate cohort also helps build a strong support network.

Adam, graduated 2023

My first placement was in Customer Access, where I learned how and why residents contact the council. I shadowed the phone and Civic Centre teams and gained experience in Revenues and Debt. I also worked on government welfare grants and saw how councils deliver national support at a local level. My manager was the Operational Director, so I attended senior meetings and helped write reports for Cabinet and the Council Management Team.

I chose Brent because of its supportive culture. Graduates are really valued, and there’s a strong network of past and current grads. There’s always someone to talk to, and it feels like a proper community.

Brent has been part of the Impact scheme (formerly NGDP) for years, and many former graduates still work here in senior roles. The Civic Centre is a great place to work too – it’s modern, eco-friendly and close to Wembley Park station and loads of places to eat.

Helena, graduated 2023

My first placement was in Adult Social Care. I led a recruitment and retention project to help attract and keep qualified social workers and occupational therapists. I also supported work on the Workforce Race Equality Standards and later helped shape a new strategy to better support carers across the borough.

I chose Brent because it celebrates its diversity and takes real action to improve the lives of residents. As someone who lives in the borough, I wanted to make a difference in my own community.

The scheme offers a huge range of experience. You work in four different roles, build your network, and get lots of support from senior leaders. There are also chances to get involved in events and borough-wide activities, which makes the experience even more rewarding.

George, graduated 2022

Brent stood out to me as a council that truly values its graduates. The fact that eight graduates joined in my cohort showed that senior leaders trusted us to take on meaningful work from the start.

I’m really grateful for the variety of experiences and challenges I had during my time on the scheme.

In 2021, I worked at Brent’s new council-owned temporary accommodation in Harlesden. I helped place homeless families into the new homes, and it was incredibly fulfilling to see how happy they were with the quality of their accommodation.

At Brent, graduates are trusted to take on real responsibility and encouraged to apply for roles after the scheme that help them grow further. By building a strong reputation across different services, you open up more career opportunities within the council.

I would highly recommend the scheme. You get out what you put in, and if you fully embrace the experience, the opportunities for growth are huge.

Since finishing the scheme, I’ve worked closely with elected members and senior officers in scrutiny. I now work in Housing Management, helping to deliver services for council tenants as part of a brilliant team.

Will, graduated 2022

Brent’s strong commitment to developing its graduates immediately stood out to me, particularly the way the organisation gives early exposure to high profile and challenging pieces of work.

Throughout the scheme, my experience was fun, fast paced and full of opportunities to work on projects that made a real difference for residents. Two standout moments were helping to set up Brent’s Lateral Flow Testing sites during the pandemic and coordinating a community grants scheme to support those most affected by Covid. These responsibilities helped me build strong project management skills and gave me valuable exposure to senior decision makers, which has shaped the professional I am today.

The support, trust and breadth of experience offered by the scheme were instrumental in helping me understand how different services work together to deliver change across the borough. I would recommend the programme without hesitation because it gives graduates the chance to test out a variety of areas in local government, develop meaningful relationships with colleagues and grow under the guidance of experienced leaders.

The diverse projects and stakeholders I worked with during the scheme have been invaluable in preparing me for the next stage of my career. I now work as a Programme Lead in Change and Improvement, delivering the Embrace Change Portfolio, and the foundations built during the graduate scheme continue to influence how I lead, collaborate and deliver for Brent.

Emma, graduated 2022

My first placement was in the Adult Social Care Transformation Team. I joined during the final phase of a two-year project focused on changing the culture and practice of social care services. I led work on updating the customer contact phone tree and launched the Adult Social Care Innovation Forum. A highlight was organising the department’s quarterly event, which brought teams together to talk about leadership and development.

I chose Brent because the graduate scheme is well supported by senior leaders, and you’re trusted with meaningful work from the start. You get a senior mentor, access to management meetings, and regular sessions with the Chief Executive. Plus, joining as part of a large graduate cohort means there’s a great support network.

The scheme is a brilliant way to begin a public service career. With four placements and the ILM Level 7 qualification, you build a wide skill set and strong connections across local government, both in Brent and nationally.